– Research –

Blue Mussels

Blue mussels, Mytilus edulis L., are a very important source of protein and nutrition. They are among the most nutrient-dense sources of protein and long chain fatty acids of any shellfish consumed in the U.S. today, are low in calories, and are a great source of vitamins (e.g. C and B-12) and minerals (e.g., iron, selenium, zinc).

According to a recent Maine farmed shellfish market analysis, aquaculture products account for 15% of the U.S. supply, and aquaculture accounts for 7-10% of Maine’s volume (). Unfortunately, close to 50% of the domestic live mussel market is being filled by imports from Canada, and in the Northeast U.S., Prince Edward Island (PEI) mussels are a significant competitor.

DEI is examining methods to expand production of cultured Blue mussels in the U.S. by addressing barriers to increased farmed mussel production. Learn more by clicking the links below.

The Hale Group (2016). Maine farmed shellfish market analysis. October 2016. Gulf of Maine Research Institute. 65 p.

Intertidal recruitment of soft-shell clams, blue mussels, and green crabs at two sites in Taunton Bay in Franklin

From April- November 2022 Downeast Institute collaborated with the Friends of Taunton Bay to measure recruitment behavior of soft-shell clams and green crabs at two intertidal mudflats in Taunton Bay, Franklin, Maine. This effort also provided data on blue mussel recruitment. Methods Beal boxes [...]

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